When have you spoken up for cause, knowing that it would directly look unfavorable on you, because it was the right thing to do?

Professional Answers Preview

"I spoke up to our management team regarding mandatory overtime by the back-of-house staff. I did not believe that the expectations were balanced, so I chose to speak up. I remained respectful, of course, and supported my thoughts with facts and truths. They heard me out, and some significant changes were made afterward."

Every manager wants a team player who will not resist company policy or argue about every detail of the workload. However; time may come when you need to speak up about something, and it may not look the best on you. Talk to the interviewer about a time that this may have happened to you on the job.

Specific Career Examples

Admin Example
"Yes, I typically consider the big picture of all situations before I account for myself. If something makes sense for the organization and the people it serves, I will find a way to translate that to the team, even if it goes against the grain. We can then discuss as a group and come to the right conclusion together."

Manager Example
"For the most part, my company abides by all labor regulations. In the case of overtime, they did not abide by the regulations, and I had to speak up for my team. The company was not happy about it because it cost them a lot of money but, in the end, they realized that they were in error."

Retail Example
"I spoke up for a coworker who was unjustly fired after being set up for stealing. The person who was stealing was trying to deflect and pinned it on her. I caused a bit of a fuss, and thankfully head office listened to me. It may not have been the wisest decision, to stick my neck out like that, but it was important to me."

Sales Example
"Our head office shorted our entire sales team on homes sold. It was not well received when I collected the data, presented it to corporate, with backing data. They ended up having to pay over $60,000 in past commissions. The sales team was happy, and we received our outstanding commissions. I do not regret putting myself out there for the cause."

Marketing Example
"We had a client with a slogan that was so borderline inappropriate that I just could not keep my mouth shut about the matter. My boss advised against bringing it up, but I could not, in good conscious, not tell them the ramifications of keeping the slogan. Thankfully they took my advice and changed the slogan, but it was a risk."

Teacher Example
"I outwardly stick up for students that I know are being bullied. Many teachers want to stay out of these situations, but morally, I just cannot turn a blind eye."

Have you ever taken the fall for a situation, where it was really not your fault, in order to protect a coworker?

Professional Answers Preview

"I do not believe in 'taking the fall' for people based on protecting them. Transparency is always a good idea, and if something went wrong, then it needs to be addressed to prevent it from happening again. When it comes to clients, I will apologize on behalf of the company for errors. In that case, I will do what it takes to protect the company's reputation."

The interviewer would like to know if you would falsely take the fall for a coworker. Taking the fall for a situation, to protect a co-worker, is a tricky situation. It can show teamwork but it may not be the most honest thing to do. Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on taking the fall for something you did not do.

Specific Career Examples

Retail Example
"I have taken the heat for a situation that was not my fault. Honestly, it wasn't anyone's fault, and I understand that sometimes the blame needs to land somewhere when corporate is looking for answers."

Sales Example
"As a sales leader, I have taken responsibility for the results of my team because I hold myself to that standard. If in a situation where blame is falsely placed on me, I will utilize my communication skills to resolve the matter."

Manager Example
"As a supervisor, I have taken the fall many times. I did not "take the fall" though. As a leader, I am responsible for the successes and failures of my staff."

Admin Example
"As an executive assistant, I often take the fall for the executive whom I support. If she is running late for a meeting, for instance, I will call the client and apologize for overbooking her schedule. Whether I did that or not is not the point. It is my job to ensure her reputation remains intact so that the business is successful."

Marketing Example
"I take the fall all the time! As the marketing director, I am the face of all of our projects. I will always take the brunt of poor feedback or a client dispute. It's part of my job, and I have no qualms surrounding this fact."

Teacher Example
"I once had a substitute teacher take over my class for the week. She sent home WAY too much homework, and it wasn't necessarily appropriate to the grade or age of the students. I received many upset emails from parents that week! I apologized to all of them for the miscommunication and assured them their child only need to complete what they were capable of doing without being stressed."

"I would love to give myself a 10/10 for honesty but truthfully - nobody is 100% honest all of the time. I will give myself an nine because I always do my best to be as honest as possible."

Do you feel that you are a sincere person or do you have room for growth? This question could be a tricky one as nobody is always 100% honest. Answer to the best of your ability and back your reply by speaking about your ethics.

Specific Career Examples

Admin Example
"I value honesty more than anything. For that reason, I would rate myself as a 10/10 for consciousness on the honesty scale."

Manager Example
"I put a heavy focus on honesty and trustworthiness in the workplace, as well as in my personal life. Because I strive for complete honesty, I will rate myself as a 10/10. My values are solid."

Retail Example
"I am honest but yet not a 10/10 because I cannot say that I have never fibbed in my personal life. I am human, a work in progress, and not perfect."

Sales Example
"I recently read the book 'Radical Honesty' by Brad Blanton. He suggests that we can transform our lives by always telling the truth. I agree with this concept which is why I strive for honesty in all areas of my life."

Teacher Example
"I admire honesty, I believe in it and, as an educator, I teach it every day. I rate myself as a 9/10 when it comes to honesty since everyone has room for improvement."

Marketing Example
"Honesty is a tricky thing because I will not be honest with someone if it will come across as hurtful. I try to find alternate ways to have the conversation at times. When it comes to related ethical issues, however, I am always honest. A 10/10 for sure."